VisualSoft bags projects from US

VisualSoft Technologies, which has kicked off its business process outsourcing (BPO) operations, has undertaken pilot projects for a few US-based service providers which propose to enter into long-term outsourcing contracts with the company.

VisualSoft, at its annual general meeting in September, had announced its plan to set up a BPO center in the city.

Sources said currently a 50-people batch is undergoing training at VisualSoft's headquarters here.

"For a better cultural match - our personnel are getting trained in specific cultures and languages," the source said.

The company has taken a 30,000 sq ft facility on lease at Ameerpet to set up the 500-seat BPO center. The centre is expected to commence operations by March 2004.

The pilot projects which the company has bagged are from new clients to provide in-bound call center services, e-mail processing and back-office processing services.

"The company was expecting to sign at least two to three long-term contracts with its existing clients in the insurance sector for some time now, before which it could rope in the new clients. We are likely to sign the contracts with the insurance customers within the next few weeks," the source said.

VisualSoft plans to focus on fast growing, high market share verticals like insurance, banking, automotive, utilities, retail, airlines and hospitality.

The specific service lines include claims processing, general accounting, financial management, payroll processing, payment services, and contact centers.

The company is further enhancing its infrastructure by establishing a dedicated BPO center in Visakapatnam with a capacity of 2,000 seats.

This unit is expected to be operational in the next two years. It has purchased a 100 acre land in Vizag. Development work has started at the site. The company has constituted a separate marketing team to capture business in the BPO segment.